Toyota prices GR Yaris from $39,950 driveaway

TOYOTA Motor Company Australia (TMCA) has announced pricing and specification for its first-ever GR Yaris light hot hatch, with the little pocket rocket set to launch with a $39,950 driveaway price for the first 1000 vehicles sold.

Designed to stimulate initial interest in the new model, the GR Yaris will revert to a list price of $49,500 plus on-road costs once the first 1000 examples have been spoken for.

Its price puts it clearly upstream of its main light hot hatch rivals, namely the Ford Fiesta ST ($32,290) and Volkswagen Polo GTI ($32,890), however the TMCA believes its new contender will lock horns with bigger, more powerful offerings like the Honda Civic Type R and Renault Megane RS.

The GR Yaris is underpinned by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine punching out a potent 200kW/370Nm, driving all four wheels exclusively via a six-speed manual transmission.

Its three-pot engine has been crafted with technology derived from motorsport, such as the multi-oil jet piston cooling, larger exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 156kW per tonne, the GR Yaris can launch from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds, while its construction ensures it is just as competent through the twisty stuff as it is in a straight line.

The unique platform of the GR Yaris combines Toyota’s GA-B Yaris at the front with the Corolla’s GA-C architecture in the rear, which allows for a new multi-link rear suspension set-up, a wider track and the possibility of including all-wheel drive.

A unique three-door layout further differentiates the GR Yaris, which has been constructed using carbon-fibre for the roof and aluminium for the bonnet, doors and tailgate.

Visual upgrades include a rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, beefy front intake system and black alloy wheels.

Stopping power comes courtesy of 356mm ventilated front discs clamped by four-pot callipers and 297mm ventilated rear discs with two-pot callipers. 

Standard comfort and convenience features include automatic air-con, keyless entry and start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, eight-speaker JBL sound system, sports seats with suede and leather accents and aluminium pedals.

Along with the pricing announcement, TMCA has revealed it will also be producing an enhanced version of its little hot hatch called the GR Yaris Rallye, a more hardcore version developed with track use in mind.

Limited to just 250 units, the Rallye brings a number of upgrades including race-tuned suspension, Torsen limited-slip differentials on the front and rear axles, red brake callipers and 18-inch BBS alloys shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.

The GR Yaris Rallye is due to touch down locally in the first half of 2021, with pricing for the limited-run model yet to be announced.

TMCA vice-president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the decision to offer initial driveaway pricing was to help kick-start the GR brand in Australia, which currently consists only of the Supra coupe. 

“This substantial local financial commitment for the first 1000 vehicles will advance our budding GR brand, accelerate the acceptance of GR Yaris on Australian roads and convert enthusiast customers into brand advocates,” he said.

“Our no-holds-barred strategy will ensure GR Yaris appeals to an even greater number of fans as a genuine sports car that lives up to Toyota's promise of making ever-better cars that are fun to drive.”